Use commercially available products to remove and prevent re-growth of roots. Avoid products containing copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide, which are not as effective and can harm rivers and the ocean.

WIPES – "TOSS IT, DON'T FLUSH IT"

Single-use wipes may be labeled as “flushable,” but that does not mean they disappear when they are flushed down the toilet. If flushed, baby wipes, cleaning wipes, personal hygiene wipes and similar items can block toilets and pipes. These items also accumulate within sewer pumps causing equipment failures and sewer overflows. This is such a widespread problem that water organizations from around the world, including the Sanitation Districts, are calling for changes in the manufacturing of wipes and re-labeling of all single-use wipes as “non-flushable” until safer standards are developed.

Click here to learn more. Protect your house and the sewer system by disposing of the following items in a trash can, regardless of whether the label says they are “flushable.”

A backwater valve is a device installed on your sewer pipes that allows sewage to flow out to the public sewer and prevents sewage from backing up into your property. To help determine if your home is required to have a backwater valve installed, click here.